Skyrim: Dark Firewood

Twisting the Knife

Faendall sat silently in his chair, tea gone, cup set aside. He was holding his chin in a hand, palm covering his mouth. He shook his head for what seemed like the millionth time. He stayed silent, eyes darting everywhere.

He had been spending quite a bit digesting the Alchemist's words, as well as his own. His heart was pounding and his face was almost completely flushed.

The Alchemist stayed silent, sipping the last of her tea. She started gathering the cups, leaving Faendall be.

As she passed beside the Bosmer, he spoke up. His voice was a bit of a squeal, and he just barely avoided a vocal crack.

"What do I do? Do I tell him?"

Faendall was hopelessly lost. He had spent months attempting to win over Camilla, sure. But Kerev was an entirely different beast. He hadn't lived around Kerev or had a very strong established dynamic. Each day something new would happen, and each situation Kerev acted at least a bit differently than Faendall did. He had a read, but not on this.

The Alchemist hummed and started heading for her work station. She brought some herbs and berries with her, eager. As she passed by Faendall again, she plopped a health potion in his lap.

"I'm not going to tell you what to do, hun. This is your life, your choice."

Faendall deflated a bit, thinking. He shot up in his seat, remembering the last interaction he and Kerev had.

"I have to apologize. Right now."

Faendall stood up and gave his legs a pat. He nodded at the Alchemist, a half bow of sorts.

"Thank you," He breathed out, walking towards the door.

The Alchemist gave Faendall a wave, her heart light and happy. Faendall felt a weight lift off him as he all but jumped into the outside. He started walking round, searching for any sign of Kerev.

He still wasn't certain he even had feelings for the Dunmer, but there had to be something there. Even now, the thought of holding Kerev close made his heart race. He couldn't fight the smile that curled up the corners of his lips, and he had to pat his cheeks to calm down.

After nearly 30 minutes of searching and sifting, Faendall remembered the Jarl's request. He sighed in a bit of anger, but shook it off. He pulled out his map and started making his way to Knifepoint Ridge.

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Kerev could barely believe his own eyes. He laid there, staring at Hondil. He wasn't hurt, wasn't tied up, nothing. He was just standing beside the Bandit Leader, leaning over a table. His hands were positioned the same way he always had them when it was his turn with the map. The Altmer's fingers were still clenched around a little red flag sticking out of the faded parchment.

"Kerev, what...you're alive," Hondil just about screamed, pushing past the muscular human beside him.

Hondil just about crashed into Kerev, diving down and scooping him up in a hug. The bandit woman stumbled back, cursing at the two. Kerev could hear Hondil sob, hugging the Altmer back as tight as he could.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," Kerev revealed.

Hondil pulled back, holding Kerev's shoulders tight. His smile was big and pained, tears streaming down his face. He shook his head and planted a brotherly kiss on the Dunmer's forehead before pulling back to look at him.

"I saw you fall, in Helgen. I thought you died."

Kerev laughed, voice wet with tears. He shook his head and grabbed Hondil by the shoulders.